View source for Cambrian Class Cruiser (1915)

The four [[Light Cruiser|light cruisers]] of the '''''Cambrian'' Class''' were completed in 1915 and 1916.  They were sometimes considered repeats of the earlier two-ship [[Calliope Class Cruiser (1914)|''Calliope'' class]].

<div name=fredbot:ships>
{| class="wikitable collapsible" border=2 cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 style="margin: 0 0 1em 0.5em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse;" align=center;
|-
! colspan=6 align=left|Overview of 4 vessels
|-
| colspan=6 align=left|<small>Citations for this data available on individual ship pages</small>
|-
! align=center | Name 
! align=center | Builder 
! align=center | Laid Down 
! align=center | Launched 
! align=center | Completed 
! align=center | Fate
|- align=left
| {{Template:UK-Cambrian}}
|[[Pembroke Royal Dockyard]]
|8 Dec, 1914
|3 Mar, 1916
|May, 1916
|Sold Jul, 1934
|- align=left
| {{Template:UK-Canterbury}}
|[[John Brown & Company]]
|14 Oct, 1914
|21 Dec, 1915
|May, 1916
|Sold Jul, 1934
|- align=left
| {{Template:UK-Castor}}
|[[Cammell Laird]]
|28 Oct, 1914
|28 Jul, 1915
|Nov, 1915
|Sold Jul, 1936
|- align=left
| {{Template:UK-Constance}}
|[[Chatham Royal Dockyard]]
|25 Jan, 1915
|12 Sep, 1915
|Jan, 1916
|Sold Jan, 1936
|}
</div name=fredbot:ships>
==Machinery==
===Generators===
In 1916, it was stated that ""C" and "D" class light cruisers" have three 52.5 kw dynamos at 105 volts.{{ARTS1916|p. 120}}  As ever, it is anyone's guess where the "C" class designator begins top apply.

==Armament==

===Guns===
The ships of ''Caroline'', ''Calliope'' and ''Cambrian'' classes had their gun armament increased as the war went on.<ref>''Technical History and Index'' indicates on page 4 that "12 ships of the "Cambrian" and "Calliope" Class" were so modified.  That the ''Caroline'' ships are part of this total of 12 ships is made clear on page 7.</ref>

Original:
* Two 6-in 45cal B.L. Mark XII guns aft on P VII mountings (one source indicates P. VII*),{{DirectorH|p. 144}} able to elevate 15 degrees.{{UKTHVol4Part36|pp. 5-6}}
* Eight semi-automatic 4-in 45cal Q.F. Mark V guns on P. X mountings,{{DirectorH|p. 145}} two in tandem forward, three on each beam

This configuration drew criticism and it was proposed in 1915 to place a third gun forward in lieu of the pair of 4-in guns originally situated there as:{{UKTHVol4Part36|pp. 4-5}}
* the 6-in guns had superior range and hitting power
* the German 4.1-in gun on the opposing light cruisers was found to outrange the British 4-in Q.F. Mark V guns
* intelligence indicated that the next German light cruisers might move to 5.9-in guns and the older ships may also get larger weapons
* it was desired to augment the firepower in closing actions

This resulted in the configuration, decided upon in June 1916 to effect the alteration (all completed by summer 1917) for 12 ships described as the "''Calliope'' class", but by the number 12 almost certainly indicating ''Calliope'', ''Cambrian'' and ''Caroline'' classes:{{UKTHVol4Part36|p. 5}}
* Two tandem 4-in guns forward replaced by third 6-in gun.
* One 4-in H.A. gun on an ad hoc "HA I" or "HA II" mounting to replace 3-pdr Vickers H.A. gun, with a second to appear when guns and proper H.A. III mountings became available.

The 6-in mountings were modified to a 20 degree elevation limit, increased from the original limit of 15 degrees, as the ships were refitted for director firing in late 1917-1918.{{UKProgressInNavalGunnery1914-1918|p. 10}}{{UKTHVol4Part36|p. 6}}

The original director-firing arrangements to permit mixed calibres to be commanded by the same director proved less than desireable, and this prompted a decision in mid-1918 to remove the 4-in guns in favour of an all 6-in scheme.  It is not clear when and if this occurred.{{GFGTO|21/6/1918, p. 118}}

In October 1916, Commodore, Harwich Force recommended removing all 4-in guns but the forward-most pair which would be converted to H.A. mountings.  By removing five 4-in guns, a fourth 6-in gun could be mounted abaft the funnel.  A variation on this was to be applied in 1918, though logistics slowed the work:{{UKTHVol4Part36|pp. 5-7}}
* <b>all</b> 4-in guns removed except the single H.A. mounting (presumably, H.A. III.  There is no solid evidence that the second one was ever shipped)
* Fourth 6-in gun on elevated CL platform abaft funnels (on P VII* mountings, as the P VII supplies were nil)

A final 1918 rearmament was to provide two 3-in H.A. guns in the positions where 4-in H.A. guns had previously been discussed.  This plan was never was put into effect.

By the end of 1918, all the ''Cambrian''s but {{UK-Castor}} had four 6-in P. VII 20 degree mountings and one 4-in H.A. gun.  ''Castor'' had merely had her three 6-in mountings modified for 20 degree elevation, but was brought up to spec after the Armistice and prior to 1921.{{UKTHVol4Part36|p. 7}}

===Torpedoes===
* 2 Service Bar 21-in submerged broadside tubes amidships depressed 4 degrees and bearing 90.{{ARTS1915|p. 36}}

In 1917, at least some of these tubes were firing {{Torp|21-in Mark II****|UK}}es and {{Torp|21-in Mark II*****|UK}}es.{{ARTS1917|p. 61}}

The ''Annual Report of the Torpedo School for 1918'' implies that the ships by this date may have mounted torpedo tubes anove water, as they were ordered to receive refits so that their A.W. torpedo tubes would use two impulse charges firing in a cascade to increase the torpedo discharge velocity and thus reduce the angle at which the torpedoes entered the water.{{ARTS1918|p. 81}}

==Fire Control==

===Mechanical Aid-to-Spotter===
By 1920, these ships were equipped with two [[Mechanical Aid-to-Spotter Mark II*]]s with Evershed Bearing Transmitters.{{UKManGun1920III|p. 35}}  The installations generally consisted of placing one on each side of the foretop, driven by flexible shafting from a gearbox on the director tower.{{UKManGun1920III|p. 35, 37}}

Supplies of these devices began in June 1918.{{FCHMShips|pp. 25-6}}

===Range Dials===
In 1918, it was ordered that these and ten other classes of light cruisers should receive "range instruments for concentration of fire".  Presumably, this meant range dials.{{ARTS1918|p. 376. (C.I.O. 3492/18, N.S. 11226/18)}}

As of 1920, none of the ships seem to have been equipped.{{UKManGun1920III|not listed on p. 45}}

===Rangefinders===
Sometime during or after 1917, an additional 9-foot rangefinder being handed down from a battleship or battlecruiser (likely an [[F.T. 24]]) was to be added specifically to augment torpedo control.{{ARTS1917|p. 199. (possibly pertinent: C.I.O. 481/17)}}

By June 1918, it was determined that the ships would probably eventually carry two 12-foot rangefinders.{{GFGTO|21/6/1918, p. 116}}

A confusing decree from 1918 indicates that a traversing 9-foot R.F. on the manœuvring platform on this and three other classes is to be replaced by a fixed 12-foot R.F., "but no addition to the manœuvring platform can be accepted."  Also, the roof of the after control is to be lowered and a 12-foot R.F. mounted on it, "but this alteration is not to be carried out pending the trials which are being carried out in {{UK-Calliope}}.{{ARTS1918|p 178}}

By 1921, the ships were equipped as follows:{{HRFs1921|p. 169}}
* Fore bridge: 12ft [[F.Q. 2]] on [[M.P. 2]] mounting
* After control: 12ft [[F.Q. 2]] on [[M.Q. 1]]
* High Angle: 1m [[F.T. 28]] on [[M.T. 9]]

===Evershed Bearing Indicators===
The [[Centaur Class Cruiser (1916)|''Centaur'' class]] were the first light cruisers fitted with [[Evershed Bearing Indicator|Evershed gear]] for gun control, but it is not clear whether older light cruisers were ever fitted.{{FCHMShips|p. 29}}

Orders for Evershed installations for searchlight control from February 1917 first applied to the [[Danae Class Cruiser (1917)|''Danae'' class]], but seem unlikely to have applied to earlier ships.{{FCHMShips|p. 29}}

===Gunnery Control===
<!--
====Control Positions====

====Control Groups====
-->

===Directors===
In 1916, it was approved that the ships of this class should be retrofitted with directors as time, resources and opportunity permitted.{{ARTS1916|p. 175}}  This intention was reiterated in 1917.{{ARTS1917|p. 229}}

All four were fitted with their directors in 1917 and 1918.{{FCHMShips|pp. 11-12}}

The director was on a pedestal mounting without a tower.  Likely, there was no [[Directing Gun|directing gun]].{{DreyerH|p. 142 and plate opposite.<br>I am inferring that the 2 light cruisers shown in the plate are meant to represent those with and without a tower}}

The elevation limits of their weapons may have increased in late 1917 or early 1918, resulting in orders for adapting their director systems issued 13 November, 1917.  It is not clear whether these alterations were for the entire class or just {{UK-Cambrian}} herself, or when they were effected.{{FCHMShips|pp. 14}}

The 6-in guns had 6-in P. XIII Type [[Elevation Receiver]]s with electrical tilt correction capable of indicating 15 degrees elevation, Pattern V.E. 3.  The 4-in guns had 4-in P. X models with electrical tilt correction and 20 degree elevation, Pattern F. C. 5.  Their [[Small Type Training Receiver]]s were pattern number 22 on the 6-in gun #1, pattern number 23 on 6-in guns #2 and #3, pattern number 20 on the 4-in guns.{{DirectorH|pp. 144-146}}

===Transmitting Stations===

===Dreyer Table===
These ships had no fire control tables.{{DreyerH|missing on page p. 3}}

===Fire Control Instruments===
In 1916, it was approved that the ''Cambrian'' (and conceivably her class), should have range receivers in the fore top to show rangefinder ranges, presumably transmitted from the T.S.{{ARTS1916|p. 145}}

By mid-1918, it had been approved to issue these ships, along with several other classes of light cruisers range repeat receivers for their fore bridge and control positions so that their captains and control officers could know the gun range.{{ARTS1917|p. 230}}

==Torpedo Control==
[[File:ARTS1917Plate76.jpg|thumb|300px|'''Torpedo Control Circuits'''{{ARTS1917|Plate 76}} ]]
[[File:ARTS1917Plate77.jpg|thumb|400px|'''Torpedo Control Circuits'''{{ARTS1917|Plate 77}} ]]

In 1916, it was decided that all light cruisers of ''Bristol'' class and later should have torpedo firing keys (Pattern 2333) fitted on the fore bridge, in parallel with those in the C.T., and that a flexible voice pipe be fitted between these positions.{{HFCI1914|p. 146}}

Additionally, all light cruisers with submerged tubes were to receive torpedo order and gyro angle instruments between torpedo flats and both control positions.  The ''C'' class (which may or may not encompass the ''Cambrian'' class) was to receive [[Chadburn's Torpedo Telegraph]]s to meet this need.  Otherwise, Barr and Stroud would be a likely choice.{{HFCI1914|p. 146}}

In mid-1920, it was decided that the ships in this class should each receive a [[Renouf Torpedo Tactical Instrument Type A]].{{ARTS1919|p. 119}} 

==See Also==
{{refbegin}}
{{WP|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C_class_cruiser#The_Cambrian_class}}
{{refend}}

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin}}
*{{ARTS1915}}
*{{DirectorH}}
*{{HFCI1909}}
*{{DreyerH}}
*{{FCHMShips}}
*{{UKProgressInNavalGunnery1914-1918}}
{{refend}}

{{Footer Cambrian Class Cruiser (1915)}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cambrian}}

{{CatClassLightCruiser|UK}}


<!-- data

nat=UK
cat=LightCruiser
type=light cruiser

chain=Minor Cruisers

{ship
name=Cambrian
pend=A3 (1914)<br>25 (Jan 1918)<br>30 (Apr 1918){{DittColl|p. 48}}
builder=[[Pembroke Royal Dockyard]]{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
order=
laid=8 12 14{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
launch=3 Mar, 1916{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
comm=5 16{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
fate=Sold
fate2=Broken up
fatedate=7 34{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
}

{ship
name=Canterbury
pend=0A (1914)<br>27 (Jan 1918)<br>59 (Apr 1918){{DittColl|p. 48}}
builder=[[John Brown & Company]]{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
order=
laid=14 10 14{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
launch=21 Dec, 1915{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
comm=5 16{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
fate=Sold
fate2=Broken up
fatedate=7 34{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
}

{ship
name=Castor
pend=C4 (1914)<br>33 (Jan 1918)<br>20 (Apr 1918){{DittColl|p. 48}}
builder=[[Cammell Laird]]{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
order=
laid=28 10 14{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
launch=28 Jul, 1915{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
comm=11 15{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
fate=Sold
fate2=Broken up
fatedate=7 36{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
}

{ship
name=Constance
pend=76 (1914)<br>23 (Jan 1918)<br>78 (Apr 1918){{DittColl|p. 48}}
builder=[[Chatham Royal Dockyard]]{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
order=
laid=25 1 15{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
launch=12 Sep, 1915{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
comm=1 16{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
fate=Sold
fate2=Broken up
fatedate=1 36{{Conways1906|p. 59}}
}



data -->

[[Category:Featured Ship Classes]]